50 pythons stolen from pet shop

Police and RSPCA officers are hunting for 50 snakes stolen from a pet shop in Nottingham.

The royal pythons, which are not considered dangerous, were snatched from Sherwood Pets in Mansfield Road, Sherwood, and vary in length from about 18in to 5ft.

Police are calling on exotic pet dealers and owners to contact them if they believe they have been offered the snakes, which can sell for up to £200.

Royal pythons are non-venomous reptiles native to Africa and are popular as pets because they are thought to be docile.

They are also known as ball pythons due to their tendency to curl up into a ball when stressed or frightened and are often found curled up in tree trunks.